St Mary's church in Wimbotsham

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 4 Mar 2010

The church of St Mary stands on an elevation not far from the busy B1507 road, tucked away behind houses and accessible via a gravelled driveway. Due to its relatively short tower it can be seen from a distance but is difficult to spot on approaching: heading in the general direction I had last seen it and only a 100 or so metres distant, I had to ask for directions because it had, all of a sudden, vanished. St Mary's church is basically a Norman structure but has been altered and extensively restored over the years. What remains from Norman times are the chancel arch > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/315498 and a fine south doorway > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1737233 - the latter is highlighted by the surrounding carstone wall. All furnishings including the baptismal font > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1737241 are Victorian and the medieval-looking bench ends > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1737243 were in fact made in 1820 by the master carver James Rattee, who also made the reredos at Ely cathedral. The village of Wimbotsham is situated within the Borough of Kings Lynn in West Norfolk and has an approximate population of 500. 4 September 2019: The building has been gutted by fire, with the roof of the church collapsed and all the furniture lost.

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